Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with left-sided heart failure?

Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs and is characterized by symptoms that are directly related to pulmonary congestion and reduced cardiac output. Common symptoms associated with left-sided heart failure include dyspnea (difficulty breathing), crackles heard in the lungs due to fluid accumulation, and decreased exercise tolerance due to reduced cardiac efficiency and oxygen supply to the tissues.

Jugular venous distension (JVD), while it can be observed in heart failure, is more typically associated with right-sided heart failure. This occurs because right-sided heart failure leads to a backup of blood in the venous system, which can cause an increase in pressure in the jugular veins.

Thus, identifying jugular venous distension as a symptom NOT typically associated with left-sided heart failure reflects an understanding of the distinction between right and left heart failure. It aids in recognizing how symptoms can vary based on the specific heart chamber that is failing.